I'm doing some prep-work for my soon-to-arrive new set of skins. I realize I can take this all to a shop and have them do it, but I'm curious to know how this fits together, and I haven't seen a post that details how the motor box skin is supposed to be installed.

The vinyl installs over the top of the motor box, and hangs down over the staple strip that is riveted to the motor box. I can see that the previous vinyl was stapled to the strip from the plethora of holes in the strip.

So, assuming you just drop the vinyl onto the box and staple it to the strip, here is the big question: how do you hide the line of staples? My prior owner ran the trim carpet up OVER the vinyl and used carpet glue to adhere it to the vinyl. It looked like crap and it peeled, leaving a sticky mess on the vinyl that attracted dirt and crud.

I know there is a better way to do this, but I haven't seen any good close-up shots of the staple line on the motor box/doghouse.

Interested in ideas, and as always, close up pictures of work well done are ALWAYS appreciated.

markismm

04-26-2011, 01:36 PM

I have some experience doing upholstery work but certainly am not an expert in that area. The way you hide the staples is by using a piece of vinly often called welting. You can buy it here:

The welting is basically a piece of vinyl folded over and stitched on itself and you hide the other staples by stapling the welting over them. However, the welting is stapled in the middle under the folds so you cannot see its staples. There are different types of wleting. What you want is hidem welting I believe. Hope this helps.

flipper

04-26-2011, 01:40 PM

I'm doing some prep-work for my soon-to-arrive new set of skins. I realize I can take this all to a shop and have them do it, but I'm curious to know how this fits together, and I haven't seen a post that details how the motor box skin is supposed to be installed.

The vinyl installs over the top of the motor box, and hangs down over the staple strip that is riveted to the motor box. I can see that the previous vinyl was stapled to the strip from the plethora of holes in the strip.

So, assuming you just drop the vinyl onto the box and staple it to the strip, here is the big question: how do you hide the line of staples? My prior owner ran the trim carpet up OVER the vinyl and used carpet glue to adhere it to the vinyl. It looked like crap and it peeled, leaving a sticky mess on the vinyl that attracted dirt and crud.

I know there is a better way to do this, but I haven't seen any good close-up shots of the staple line on the motor box/doghouse.

Interested in ideas, and as always, close up pictures of work well done are ALWAYS appreciated.
That's how they come

tph

04-26-2011, 01:45 PM

It's not a great picture but.....

tph

04-26-2011, 01:52 PM

Maybe this one's a little better.....

Jorski

04-26-2011, 02:29 PM

You cover the staple line with a product called "Hidem"

It is a vinyl strip that is made out of the same vinyl as your upholstery. It should come with your skins.

It sewn so that you can open up the flaps in the middle and staple. The flaps then fold back in place covering the staples that hold it on. It is positioned so that it not only covers the staples on the motor box skin, but also covers the seam where the carpet meets vinyl.

You can see more samples here:

http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/marine-hidem.html

jconover

04-26-2011, 02:57 PM

Thanks - I was wondering if that's what they did at the seam. So i need staples long enough to go through the welting, the vinyl, and into the staple board?

milkmania

04-26-2011, 03:40 PM

You cover the staple line with a product called "Hidem"

It is a vinyl strip that is made out of the same vinyl as your upholstery. It should come with your skins.

It sewn so that you can open up the flaps in the middle and staple. The flaps then fold back in place covering the staples that hold it on. It is positioned so that it not only covers the staples on the motor box skin, but also covers the seem where the carpet meets vinyl.

You can see more samples here:

http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/marine-hidem.html

I concur with the highlighted statement above.

just last week, I had an upholsterer drop by the house.....
$900.00 to install ONLY (already have vinyl cut and stitched)
1) observer's seat (top and bottom) with new 3 or 4 inch foam padding
2) gunnel/combing pads with new 1/4 inch foam
3) motorbox cover with new 1/4 inch foam
4) rear bench seat with new staple strips and new 3 or 4 inch foam padding
5) driver's and observer's armrests with new 1 inch foam padding

Driver's seat was already completed by someone else.
Assembled with Stainless Steel staples throughout.
All vinyl will be stretched with steam.

I feel this is kinda high, and will get another quote:cool:
he claims the foam padding will be $300.00 alone

Jorski

04-27-2011, 08:25 AM

So i need staples long enough to go through the welting, the vinyl, and into the staple board?

Yes. That is correct.

atlfootr

05-02-2011, 09:36 AM

just last week, I had an upholsterer drop by the house.....
$900.00 to install ONLY I feel this is kinda highDo ya think? :rolleyes:

YOU SHOULD OF CALLED MY MAN, JIM!
I've only told you guys about a MILLION TIMES!
Maybe one day, you'll listen ...